Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Planned or not, that mess is smoothed out as the film proceeds, and Washington’s performance goes from languorous and dazed to razor-sharp and darkly humorous—reminiscent of the work he’s done for Lee in the past. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 Summer ’25 is all about languorous mornings and late afternoon bike rides with fresh baguettes in the basket. Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • Through heightened control of imagery and mood, attention to composition and texture and sound, Manuel turns this simple, languid setting into something far more sinister without ever betraying the beauty of what’s onscreen.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Afternoons are made for fresh piña coladas, languid sun worshipping, and offshore adventures on motorboats fully stocked with snorkels, fins, and local beer.
    Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Pageau smashed home his second goal late in the third to finish off a listless Flyers team.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Against the Patriots, the Chargers appeared even more listless as Herbert struggled to connect with his receivers, completing 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards.
    Los Angeles Times staff, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With Minnesota leading by four and 1 minute, 10 seconds to play, Edwards got lackadaisical in his off-ball defense while guarding Chicago’s most potent scorer, Coby White.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026
  • In past years Newsom has been lackadaisical about delivering the annual State of the State message to the Legislature that the state Constitution requires.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Plush cushioning on the insoles relieves tired feet during the day, making these comfortable enough to wear for hours.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Some people are probably tired of hearing my name.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But as reserves become exhausted, shivering stops and body temperature continues to fall.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • But as Liberato and his crew grew exhausted, the vibe shifted.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Tomato stalks broke in two, my mother’s peppers dangled like limp green earrings from the stem.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The outer leaves should be tightly packed and crisp, not limp or dry.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Once a sleepy segment of the overall business, the unit sells power generators, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines that produce electricity for buildings, factories and data centers.
    Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Did the dates and times printed on these sleepy flyers arrive at some juncture somewhere in the world, and did children really congregate to do science experiments?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on languorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!